Gordon McCormick was a philanthropist and social change agent based in New York and active in projects around the world. His work centered on creating permanent change in the quality of people’s lives through three core activities: empowering sustainable economic development; exploring and implementing non-violent alternatives through conflict resolution; and building the structures and processes of civil society. Referring to himself as a “junk yard dog,” he relished turning the biggest breakdowns into openings for positive change. His expertise included raising money from individuals, educating people in a position to make a difference and creating opportunities that unlocked further opportunity.

Gordon was born on September 3, 1941 on a chicken farm outside Buffalo, New York. He grew up in Seattle, WA and Brentwood, CA. Gordon studied philosophy at the University of Washington and the University of Buffalo. Although he maintained an active involvement in student government, academic achievement was of secondary interest to him. At age 20, he left school and became a broker in Los Angeles. In 2002, Gordon decided to build on both childhood experience and a lifetime of progressive efforts and devote all of his energy to creating a peaceful world where the potential for economic, social and personal development would flourish unfettered.

Gordon believed that a world where conflict is resolved peacefully and where people focus on their economic, social and spiritual development was possible by 2020 and he worked to achieve that goal.

Gordon was involved in several organizations that were active in creating non-violent social change. Some of his most recent involvements included serving as Chairman of Sarvodaya USA board. He was also  a Director of Fonkoze USA, which operates the largest micro-credit bank in Haiti, and a Member of Board of ForesTrade, Inc., a leading international supplier of organic and sustainably produced tropical spices, vanilla, essential oils and Fair Trade coffee. In addition, Gordon was an investor for the Mastery Foundation, a Member of the Social Venture Network, an Investor and fundraiser for the Hunger Project, and a Funder for the activities of Search for Common Ground in the Middle East.

Gordon had a lust for living his life to the fullest each day. He ran his first Marathon in NYC on November 4, 2001, at age 60. The year after that he climbed to the top of Machu Picchu in Peru. He was a fine wine collector, an avid reader and traveled throughout most of the world.

Gordon is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly, his two sons, John and Michael, his 3 grandchildren; Eric, Ella and Sean, his sister Annie, his niece Sarah, his two half-sisters; Lani and Di and numerous cousins. He will also be missed by many friends and business associates.
 

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Sarvodaya USA is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Contribution to Sarvodaya USA is tax-deductible in the United States.